Community Health Systems Data Breach

Last summer, Community Health Systems, a sprawling multi-state hospital operator, was faced with a class-action lawsuit over a massive data breach. Roughly 4.5 million patient records were hacked and put into the hands of thieves. It was one of the largest health data systems breaches ever recorded.

The data leak put patients’ identities at risk. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates and Social Security numbers of patients across the country were all made available to Chinese hackers, according to a Community Health Systems filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission describing the breach.

In October, a class-action lawsuit was filed by a New Mexico woman in U.S. District Court. Victims of the breach are expected to continue joining the suit as the case winds its way through court.

The CHS leak could have exposed the personal information of Alabama citizens and their families. You may have been a victim without knowing it. The attorneys at Pittman, Dutton & Hellums are dedicated to standing up for victims of this data breach in Birmingham and beyond. We’re here to help you join this class-action lawsuit and be there together as we hold CHS accountable for the irresponsible leak of your personal information. CHS put you and your family at irreparable risk.

If you think the personal data of you or a loved one was leaked during this breach, call us at (866) 515-8880 or contact us online. Your private information is in the possession of criminals because of a hospital’s inability to provide basic security. Let us help you hold them accountable.

Background on the Community Health Systems Data Breach

Community Health Systems said it was attacked in April and June of 2014. CHS reported the breach to the SEC in August. Based in Franklin, Tenn., CHS operates in 29 states and has 207 hospitals across the U.S.

The Chinese group that hacked CHS reportedly used sophisticated malware and technology to infiltrate the hospital network. CHS said it believes the hackers stole data from patients who sought out CHS physicians. Medical information was not breached in the leak, CHS said.

The CHS data breach is the second-largest ever reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Some experts have warned that the CHS breach is a part of a disturbing trend of more leaks at hospitals in recent years.

“Hospitals are going to become a bigger and bigger target as they hacking community figures out it’s easier to hack a hospital than it is to hack a bank and you get the same information. I’m not sure healthcare is listening yet,” Michael McMillian, CEO of CynergisTek, a Austin, Tex. based security consulting firm, told Modernhealthcare.com.

The lawsuit against CHS was filed by Briana Brito in the 4th Judicial District Court in San Miguel County, N.M.

“As a result of the defendants’ failure to implement and follow basic security procedures, plaintiff’s sensitive information is now in the hand of thieves,” the lawsuit reads.

Join the Lawsuit

Lawyers and plaintiffs from across the country will be joining this lawsuit in the coming months. Television, online and radio campaigns have already launched, making people aware that their identities may have been stolen and are still at risk just because they went to the hospital.

You won’t be alone in this fight. The attorneys of Pittman, Dutton & Hellums will be at your side, along with those of all the other victims of this attack.

If you would like to talk to about joining the class action lawsuit against CHS, or if you’re unsure if your personal information was ever at risk, call us today (866) 515-8880 or contact us online. We handle cases throughout Alabama and nationwide.We’ll be waiting to help and can answer any questions you may have.